Today’s Food History

1666 The Great Fire of London began in the shop of the King’s baker. After burning for four days, more than 13,000 buildings had been destroyed.

1752 Tomorrow was September 14. The Gregorian Calendar went into effect in Great Britain and its colonies, to correct an accumulated 11 day discrepancy. Most of the rest of the world had switched from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar in 1582.

1935 The Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 hit the Florida Keys. Over 400 were killed and the Railroad to Key West was destroyed. It was the most powerful hurricane to ever hit the U.S., with winds estimated at 200 mph.

1969 The first ATM is installed at the Chemical Bank in Rockville Centre, New York.

1973 J.R.R. Tolkien died. Author of ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy. Food and hospitality play important roles in both.

1985 The wreckage of the British luxury liner ‘Titanic’ was located 73 years after it sank. This inspired a new interest in the menu and last meals that were served on the ship.